His Early Years
The Life of Rocky Clark
Many people know Rasul “Rocky” Clark because of the severe injury he received while playing football, however they may not be aware of all the other things that defined his life. The people who were closest to him will tell you that he was kind, optimistic, had a great sense of humor, showed strong leadership skills and that he positively impacted the lives of the people he came into contact with.
This web site is designed to honor Rocky’s life; provide information about his journey; and continue to inspire people (including athletes, families, teachers, and communities) throughout Illinois and the country.
Gridiron Promise
A Formidable High School Athlete
Rocky was born and raised in Robbins, Illinois. He always loved competing and playing sports. In addition to being a very good high school athlete in multiple sports, Rocky went to Dwight D. Eisenhower High School. Rocky’s favorite sport was football. He had the ability to be successful in this sport due to his hard work ethic, athleticism, and a positive attitude towards the game. These same traits caused his fellow teammates, coaches, and friends to have a lot of respect for Rocky.
Long before Rocky's name would become recognized by people outside his hometown community, he consistently encouraged his teammates and demonstrated the characteristics of a true teammate.
A Timeline of Impact
Tracing the historic journey from a fateful autumn afternoon on the gridiron to a lasting legislative promise kept for future generations of student athletes.
The Fateful Game
A Decade of Advocacy
Rocky's Law Enacted
During a regular-season matchup, a severe tackle resulted in a spinal cord injury, paralyzing Rocky but revealing his inner resolve.
Rocky dedicated his life to raising awareness, speaking to schools, and fighting for safety standards for catastrophically injured athletes.
Illinois signed historic legislation requiring high schools to carry catastrophic injury insurance, securing a safer future for student athletes.
The Archive
Catastrophic Injury
During a high school football game on September 15, 2000, Rocky suffered a severe spinal cord injury which left him paralyzed from the neck down. When he was only sixteen years old, his entire life changed. The next few months/years were going to present a number of new challenges (both physically, emotionally, and financially) which no one could have ever anticipated. However instead of allowing these challenges to dictate how he lived his life, Rocky found the courage to embrace every single day and in doing so he provided inspiration to thousands of individuals.
Transforming Challenge into Purpose
After sustaining his injury, Rocky decided to dedicate himself to motivating others and raising awareness about the serious long term consequences that catastrophically injured athletes endure. This mission has been accomplished through numerous forms of communication including public speaking engagements, community outreach programs, advocacy efforts and more. Through these avenues of communication, Rocky has shed some light on the importance of continued medical treatment, support systems and legal protections for injured high school student-athletes.
Rocky's courage did not only inspire those with similar spinal cord injuries; it also motivated families, coaches, doctors and nurses, state legislators and local communities working toward significant changes in the way catastrophically injured student-athletes receive ongoing support.
Our Mission
This web site is designed to honor Rocky Clark's memory and life; educate visitors about his life experiences; and provide inspirational examples through his resiliency, hope and service that will be used as motivation for generations yet to come."